BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, MAY 31, 2025 | 05:01 PM
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed delight at the growing number of female lawyers in the state, pledging his administration’s full support for anyone, male or female wishing to further their education.
'I am happy to see many female lawyers. I want to assure you that any person who wants to further his education, I am willing to do that,' the governor said on Friday at the official launch of the Digital Case Management System at the Borno State Ministry of Justice, held at the Musa Usman Secretariat in Maiduguri.
The governor’s remarks drew applause from legal practitioners and officials present at the event, especially young female counsels inspired by the recognition and encouragement.
The governor’s comments came as part of a broader reform agenda during the unveiling of several key initiatives, including the ministry’s new logo, mission statement, core values, and a newly equipped e-library.
Beyond his support for education, the governor pledged to review the state's existing legal framework, particularly the penal code to ensure it reflects contemporary standards and delivers effective deterrence against crimes.
'Most of the provisions of the penal code need to be reviewed. As it stands, the current punishments cannot provide the needed deterrence for defaulters. Before the expiration of my tenure, insha Allah, we shall have laws that are in tandem with current realities,' he said.
Gov. Zulum also reaffirmed his commitment to the digital transformation of the justice sector, noting that the Digital Case Management System would improve transparency, reduce delays, and modernise legal processes in the state.
The event was attended by top judiciary officials, including the Borno State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kashim Zannah, who praised the governor’s leadership in promoting legal reforms and called for the digitisation of state laws to enhance public access.
'In my career, I have never seen a government meticulously promulgating laws like this. Almost every month, new laws signed by His Excellency come to me. The best way to make them accessible is to digitise them,' Justice Zannah said.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Hauwa Abubakar, described the occasion as a turning point for the ministry, highlighting a renewed focus on efficient, people-centred justice.
'The unveiling of our new identity is not merely a symbolic gesture; it reflects a ministry that is transforming to meet modern governance challenges while remaining rooted in justice and integrity,' she said.